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Timing is everything, to our genes
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To everything there is a season. This saying applies to many human endeavors, but new research shows it's true
even on the molecular level. A study led by Salk Professor
Satchidananda Panda and published in the journal
Science on February 8, 2018, found that the activity of nearly 80 percent of genes follows a day/night (circadian) rhythm in many tissue types and brain regions.
Using RNA sequencing, the research team tracked gene expression in dozens of tissues for 24 hours, discovering that each tissue contained genes that were expressed at different levels based on the time of day.
While scientists have long known that many tissues follow these cycles, this is the most comprehensive study connecting timing to gene transcription, and could influence when researchers conduct assays or when patients should take drugs.
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| Salk researchers discover how liver responds so quickly to food |
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Minutes after you eat a meal, your body makes massive shifts in how it breaks down and stores fats and sugars. But the speed at which this happens has flummoxed scientists --- it's too short a time for the liver to activate genes and produce the RNA blueprints needed to guide metabolism. Now, the lab of Satchidananda Panda has uncovered how liver cells do it: by storing up pre-RNA molecules involved in glucose and fat metabolism. The work, which could help better inform treatments for obesity or diabetes, appeared in Cell Metabolism on
February 6, 2018.
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Chief Science Officer adds two key staff positions to office
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Salk Vice President and Chief Science Officer
Martin Hetzer welcomed Kurt Marek, PhD, and Tricia Wright, PhD, to the CSO office in key roles as director of business development and postdoctoral advisor, respectively.
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 Kurt Marek, PhD |
 Tricia Wright, PhD |
| Marek will work closely with the Institute's faculty and leadership to support the advancement of Salk research by enhancing its ability to secure major grants. He has a wealth of training and experience in this area, having most recently served as a deputy director of the Office of Translational Alliances and Coordination for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), where he was instrumental in developing and managing grant programs to support translational research. He also oversaw the NHLBI's support of small businesses performing research and development on innovative biomedical products.
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Wright serves as the first postdoctoral scholar advisor, a newly created position responsible for overseeing the Institute's new, dedicated Postdoctoral Office. She most recently served as the director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for the Indiana University School of Medicine. At Salk, she will lead the way in ensuring the Institute's program fulfills its purpose of providing resources and support in myriad areas, including assisting postdocs in obtaining funding, aiding and improving existing career development programs, and identifying strategies and tools to enhance the postdoctoral experience.
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Salk scientist receives $1.2 million grant from Keck Foundation to develop transparent tissues for diagnostics and therapeutics
With support from the W. M. Keck Foundation, a team of investigators led by Salk Professor
Inder Verma will generate transparent tissues in mammals using optically unique proteins called reflectins, which are responsible for the camouflage and communication abilities of octopus, squid and cuttlefish. This work will allow researchers to make better observations into diseases such as cancer and extend the capabilities of live microscopy.
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Padres Pedal the Cause provides $2.4 million for cancer research
Padres Pedal the Cause has donated more than $2.4 million to support cancer studies at the Salk Institute, Rady Children's Hospital, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health and Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. The check was presented to representatives from the four organizations on January 24, 2018 and was the largest donation ever made by the grassroots organization.
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New Episode of SalkTalk podcast is available: As the only electrophysiologist in Rusty Gage's lab, Shani Stern uses her engineering expertise to delve into the biological mysteries that most intrigue her, particularly bipolar disorder. Learn more about Stern's work in this episode of SalkTalk.
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| Salk Science & Music Series |
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The final concert of the Salk Science & Music Series takes place April 8, 2018 with a performance by pianist Zlata Chochieva and a scientific talk by Assistant Professor Edward Stites in the Conrad T. Prebys Auditorium.
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Wednesday March 21, 2018
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Conrad T. Prebys Auditorium
Plant science is needed more today than ever before to help meet the demands of a rapidly growing human population and the disruptions of climate change. The global population recently topped 7 billion and is expected to reach 12 billion by the end of the century. More people means greater demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel, placing tremendous strains on ecosystems around the world. This growing demand, combined with extreme drought and temperature fluctuations, has resulted in widespread environmental damage, economic hardship and malnutrition.
Come hear how plant science offers innovative approaches to tackle these challenges, offering us hope and solutions for our shared future. Registration opens at 4:00 p.m. Panel presentation will begin promptly at 4:30 p.m. followed by a ceremony to recognize the Salk Women & Science 2018 Special Award recipients. The event will conclude with a reception in the Foyer.
The event is
free to attend but seating is limited. Please RSVP to attend.
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| Salk science wallpaper images |
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Looking for a unique background image for your computer, iPad or phone?
Lucky sky-watchers got a treat on January 31 as the seemingly super-sized full moon passed through Earth's shadow and underwent a dramatic total lunar eclipse. Based on this unusual cosmic combination, the lunar sky show was termed a "super blue blood moon."
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